Marie Street Dam, located in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, was completed in 1960 with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Rio Grande. This earth dam stands at 22 feet high and 586 feet long, with a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. Despite its critical role in protecting the surrounding area from floods, the dam's condition assessment in 2019 was reported as poor, with a high hazard potential. The dam's last inspection in March 2019 revealed the need for improvements to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood control.
The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 30 feet, and it has an outlet gate with a needle design. The risk assessment for Marie Street Dam is moderate, with a hazard potential rating of 3 out of 5. The dam is under state regulation and inspection by the Office of the State Engineer, ensuring compliance with safety standards. With its location in a high-risk area for flooding, ongoing monitoring and potential upgrades are essential to maintain the dam's functionality and protect the community from potential disasters. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate issues will find the management and maintenance of Marie Street Dam to be a critical aspect of flood risk reduction in Sierra County, New Mexico.